Washington Bill Could Let Rivian and Lucid Sell Directly to Customers
Washington State lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill that would let Rivian and Lucid sell vehicles directly to customers in the United States. The proposed law, Senate Bill 6354, marks a shift from the state's current dealership-only model. Only Tesla currently enjoys this exemption in Washington.
The legislation was introduced on February 19 and has already moved out of the Senate Transportation Committee. It follows negotiations between EV startups and the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. The bill's narrow criteria seem designed specifically for Rivian and Lucid, both of which already run showrooms in the state—though they cannot finalise sales there.
Rivian has shown strong financial backing for direct sales, contributing $4.5 million to a political action committee. Reports suggest the company was prepared to spend up to $50 million on a 2026 ballot initiative if lawmakers did not act. The bill also blocks legacy automakers from using subsidiaries to avoid the dealership system.
Not all reactions have been positive. Critics argue the law favours certain companies over others, creating an uneven playing field. Others have raised concerns about consumer protections, given the bill's limited scope.
Rivian's broader strategy highlights direct sales as a key priority. During a March 5 conference, CFO Claire McDonough stressed its importance alongside technology and brand growth. The company has cut production costs, ended 2025 with $6.1 billion in liquidity, and secured $2 billion from Volkswagen for 2026. Its focus on US manufacturing, including expansions in Illinois and Georgia, aligns with efforts to scale direct sales nationwide.
If passed, the bill would allow Rivian and Lucid to bypass traditional dealerships in Washington. The change would bring them in line with Tesla's existing exemption. Meanwhile, the debate over fair competition and consumer safeguards is likely to continue.
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